Dearest reader, if you’re like me then you’re probably obsessed with British period dramas like Bridgerton, Downton Abbey, Emma, or Pride & Prejudice. Some of my absolute favorite parts of British period TV shows and movies are the costumes, the locations, and, of course, the scenes of the characters having afternoon tea.
I’ve always wanted to channel my inner Elizabeth Bennet or Daphne Bridgerton and attend afternoon tea, so I decided to give it a try with my cousin, Morgan. Also, because it’s International Picnic Day, I wanted to do something festive.
***Quick disclaimer, though, because we live in Louisiana and it currently feels like 110 degrees of heat and humidity outside, we did not have this tea party in the afternoon like we were supposed to. We actually did it at 9:00 in the morning – so as not to sweat to death. But you still get the idea.
This post includes affiliate links. If you choose to use one of my links I do receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
History says that afternoon tea was established by a woman named Anne, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, around 1840. At that time, it was customary for the English nobility to eat dinner kind of late – between 8:00 PM and 9:00 PM. In order to fight off the mid-afternoon hunger, the Duchess requested light food and tea be brought to her quarters. Over time, the Duchess began to invite friends to her afternoon teas and a new social event was born.
While there are no rules when it comes to creating a menu, traditional afternoon tea usually consists of sandwiches, scones, cookies, and other sweet treats – and, of course, tea. For our tea I made PB&J sandwiches, turkey & cheese sandwiches, homemade biscuits (because I didn’t have time to attempt to make scones), strawberry tarts, and a French Vanilla cake topped with whipped vanilla icing and edible flowers. I also served fresh strawberries and blueberries with Cool Whip (perfect for a hot and sunny day) and some Republic of Tea Downton Abbey English Rose tea. We even sprinkled some edible glitter in our tea cups to give our tea a little sparkle.
When ladies first began having afternoon tea they would wear frilly dresses, fancy hats, and gloves for the occasion, but I would recommend skipping the hat and gloves and putting on a dress that makes you feel beautiful. If you’re looking for great stores to buy a romantic dress from, try JessaKae, Shein, Maurices, Target, Old Navy, Morning Lavender, Draper James , and Ivy City Co for great plus size options. Morgan’s dresses came from Shein and my dresses came from JessaKae. Feel free to use my discount code of NELLIE10 to receive 10% off your first purchase at JessaKae.com.
Life is short and it can be full of stresses and deadlines and the unexpected – and the older I’m getting the more I’m realizing that every moment is a gift. Every breath is precious and we should make the most of it. One way you can make the most of your life is by romanticizing the everyday and by doing things that bring you joy. So read the book, buy the shoes, host afternoon tea, binge-watch a new show. If it brings you joy and it doesn’t hurt anyone – do it.
Shop this Post on the LTK Shop & App
Verse of the Day: The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork. – Psalms 19:1
